Els: MBN360 News
The MCE of La Dade Kotopon, Honourable Alfredos Nii Anyetei has disclosed that severe silting within major drainage channels significantly worsened flooding in parts of the municipality following Monday’s heavy rains. He stated that the persistent blockage of waterways feeding into the Kpeshie Lagoon continues to heighten flood vulnerability across affected communities.
Discussing the root of the flooding, Honourable Anyetei explained that heavy silting along the Kordjor stream remains one of the most pressing challenges confronting the assembly. He noted that the stream serves as a major channel flowing into the Kpeshie Lagoon, making its condition critical to flood management.
Additionally, the MCE indicated that the assembly has engaged residents through a recent town hall meeting to discuss long term interventions. The engagement, he said, seeks to build public support for measures aimed at reducing recurrent flooding.
An important aspect of the engagement involved addressing misconceptions surrounding planned interventions. Honourable Anyetei clarified that the assembly is not targeting specific property developers for demolition as some residents have alleged.
“The issue is not about targeting anyone. It is about protecting lives and property through urgent flood control measures because the Kpeshie Lagoon is heavily silted.”Honourable Alfredos Nii Anyetei
Speaking on the condition of the Kpeshie Lagoon, he said the lagoon is heavily silted after years without significant dredging, with many residents claiming it has not been dredged in living memory. Moreover, the assembly has intensified consultations with the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, the Ministry of Works and Housing and the Ghana Hydrological Authority. These discussions, he noted, are aimed at securing technical and logistical support for dredging operations.
He pointed to Monday morning’s rainfall, which began around 3am and intensified before dawn. The MCE said the duration and volume of the rainfall immediately signalled a difficult day for emergency teams.
Additionally, rescue preparations began early as water levels rose rapidly across vulnerable zones. Honourable Anyetei stated that officials observed water heights unlike anything recorded in recent years.
Rescue Operations Intensify As Flood Mitigation Efforts Expand
Emergency teams mounted extensive rescue operations across flood affected communities as rising waters displaced residents along major waterways. Authorities say ongoing engineering interventions are necessary for reducing future flood incidents.
Addressing previous demolition exercises along Teshie Bush Road, Honourable Anyetei explained that the operation marked only the first phase of a wider flood mitigation strategy. The demolitions, he noted, created space for future dredging and expansion of the lagoon’s catchment area.
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Furthermore, he indicated that several structures have been erected too close to lagoon embankments, restricting water retention. Their removal, he said, is necessary to restore the natural flow and holding capacity of the lagoon.
Similarly, desilting works have continued in streams feeding the Kpeshie Lagoon. The MCE revealed that technical officers also discovered portions of the Kordjor stream have been diverted, worsening water flow during heavy rains.
In addition, support has come from Zoomlion Ghana Limited through Dredge Masters. Excavators deployed to the estuary have already improved sections of the drainage network.
“The interventions are in phases. Each activity improves water flow and strengthens flood prevention.”Honourable Alfredos Nii Anyetei
Another aspect of the challenge lies in the cost of dredging the lagoon itself. Honourable Anyetei explained that full dredging is highly capital intensive and exceeds the financial capacity of the assembly.
Alternatively, collaboration with national institutions has become essential. He stated that coordinated support is helping advance plans toward full rehabilitation of the lagoon.
In referencing the scale of rescue operations carried out during the floods, Honourable Anyetei said personnel from the National Disaster Management Organisation, the Ghana National Fire Service and the Ghana Armed Forces played crucial roles in evacuations.
Particular praise was directed at the 48 Engineers Regiment, whose deployment proved critical in rescue efforts. Boats were dispatched to multiple locations after reports emerged of trapped residents.
“I commend NADMO, the military and Fire Service for their swift intervention. And to commend the 48 Engineers and my honorable MP for all their assistance.”Honourable Alfredos Nii Anyetei
The MCE disclosed that although exact displacement figures are unavailable as many residents required urgent evacuation. He added that continued coordination among emergency responders will be vital as authorities work to safeguard flood prone communities.
